Something magical is about to take center stage at The Matthews, and it’s not just the set pieces or the costumes. It’s Harvey, the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy that has charmed audiences for decades. But this isn’t just a play—it’s an experience, a heartwarming invitation to slow down, embrace the joy in the unexpected, and maybe even believe in the impossible.
Meet Elwood and Vida: A Story of Magic and Meaning
At the heart of Harvey is Elwood P. Dowd, a gentle soul with an uncanny ability to see the good in everyone. Oh, and he also happens to see a six-foot, three-and-a-half-inch invisible rabbit named Harvey. Randy Bender, who brings Elwood to life, describes the character as one who “changes people just by being kind.” Having loved Harvey since he first saw it as a child, Randy’s connection to the story runs deep—so much so that Harvey himself may have followed him around for years!
Opposite Elwood is his exasperated sister, Vida Simmons, played by the dynamic Shirlene Joseph. Vida is desperate to maintain social appearances and is determined to have her brother committed. But as she wrestles with her own doubts and fears, she begins to question—what if Harvey is real? “She and Elwood switch roles as protagonist and antagonist throughout,” Shirlene explains, hinting at the unexpected layers in this seemingly lighthearted story.
More Than Just a Comedy
Yes, Harvey is filled with humor, but don’t mistake it for simple slapstick. The comedy is woven with deeper themes of acceptance, imagination, and the power of seeing the world differently. “We all get so busy that we forget to look for the good in people,” Randy reflects. “This play reminds us to slow down and do that.”
Shirlene agrees, adding that the story speaks to the way we deal with trauma and escape from life’s struggles. “It’s about a man who has gone through something and has found a way to cope,” she says. “And honestly, who wouldn’t want a six-foot rabbit for a best friend?”
A Production That Feels Like Home
One of the special elements of this production is its deep connection to the community. The cast is filled with familiar faces, experienced performers who have poured their hearts into this play. Shirlene, who has spent her career in drama-heavy roles, is embracing the chance to flex her comedic muscles. Randy, having played Elwood before, is rediscovering new depths in the character. And under the passionate direction of John Stephen Wiley, every actor has been given the space to truly inhabit their role.
But this is more than just a cast—it’s a family. From the lighthearted moments of discovering how different generations “pretend” to use a telephone, to the late-night emails from the director filled with new insights, the energy behind the scenes is as electric as the performance itself.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Believe
If you’ve never seen Harvey, now is the time. And if you have, you’ll find new magic in this fresh, heartfelt production. It’s a reminder of the joy of imagination, the kindness of a simple soul, and the delight in embracing life’s oddities.
So, take a step away from the ordinary. Come to Harvey, let yourself laugh, reflect, and—just maybe—walk away believing in something a little bigger than yourself.
🎭 Get your tickets now! Visit our Eventbrite page, or call 605-642-7973 to reserve your seat before they disappear—just like Harvey himself!
